5 Essential iPhone Apps for Shopaholics

If you've made the jump to the iPhone, then you know what it feels like to have the whole world at your fingertips -- contained within an often frustrating device.

The latest trend in mobile? Mobile shopping, of course! While some brands are just launching their mobile e-commerce sites, others are steps ahead with their own shopping apps, tempting customers with an on-the-go experience.

The fashion and beauty industry has been among the first to embrace the iPhone platform and create mobile applications. While some branded apps are barely worth the download, I've selected the top five free apps that will have you coming back (and shopping) for more.

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Today's Shoe from Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf Goodman was amongst the first to get into mobile shopping with the launch of Today's Shoe. Every day a lust-worthy shoe is featured, plus you can browse the other gorgeous styles available in the shoe salon. If you're inclined to taunt your friends, you can share your picks with your friends via email.

Beauty.com

Beauty.com's application isn't full of bells and whistles, but it's an easily shoppable, well organized application. Each major category (hair, makeup, skincare, etc.) is further divided into more specific categories for easy access or you can find products via basic search.

ShopStyle

Taking the user experience from ShopStyle.com, the ShopStyle application allows you to search visually for what you're looking for, tiling photos in an easily browse-able and visually pleasing format. The only downside is that when you're ready to check out, the application forwards you to the retailer's website, which may not be optimized for mobile.

eBay Fashion

eBay is making a huge push to be a player in the fashion game -- and it's working. The eBay Fashion app not only allows you to search for available pieces, but it incorporates the Fashion Vault, eBay's answer to private sale sites. Additionally, you can browse featured trends and create a closet of your favorite items.

Sephora

Not one to be left out of the fun, Sephora's recently launched app creates a 360 beauty experience. In addition to basic website functions like shopping, retrievable shopping lists, and a store locator, you can also access content from the brand's YouTube channel and Facebook page, plus scan product bar codes for easy locating within the app.

Are brands being left behind by not embracing mobile? Personally, I'd love to see services like Shop It to Me and brands like MAC Cosmetics give apps a try.